Our Trip to the Oriental Institute in Chicago
Assyria
This nine sided prism commemorates Sargon founding his brand new capital city, Dur-Sharrukin, which means “fortress of Sargon.” The building began in 713 BC but Sargon was killed in battle before it was finished in 705 BC. Some skeptics thought that Sargon was mythical and said the Bible erred mentioning him as real, but now we know he was real.
Assyria
Six-sided clay prism used as a propaganda tool by Sennacherib, King of Assyria, son of Sargon. Israel had been conquered, and Sennacherib set his sites on Judah. This prism brags of his siege of Jerusalem and Hezekiah, the King of Judah. It does not mention the failure to take the city nor why. (2 Ki. 18,19; 2 Chron. 32; Isaiah 36-37) 704-681BC"Hezekiah...like a caged bird I shut up in Jerusalem"
As is the case with most propaganda, Sennacherib’s scribes seek to put the best face on their failure to take Jerusalem. They claim complete victory and withdrawal. Greek historian Herodotus says they had to retreat due to a plague of rats destroying their weapons. The Bible says it was the angel of death sending plague on their troops and many thousands died. Sennacherib was later killed by two of his own sons as he worshipped in the shrine of his god Nisroch.
(2 Kings 19:37; Isa. 37:38).
Egyptian artifacts; 2000-400 BC.
Egyptians artifacts 2000-400 BC.
Canaanite artifacts; 1200-700 BC.
Israelite & Assyrian artifacts; ca. 900 BC.
Assyrian artifacts; 884- 680 BC.
Assyrian artifacts; 884- 680 BC.
Babylonian & Persian artifacts; ca. 600 BC.
Persian artifacts; ca. 520-465 BC.
Between the Testaments; 200 BC-70
Return to Truth Matters Homepage
